John Player Special Team Lotus 1983        

It is fair to say that during the 1983 season, Elio's reputation took a bit of a battering.  With Lotus feeling there way through their first season of Renault power and without the charismatic Colin Chapman, it was always likely to be a transitional phase.  However, had anyone made a bet that Elio would only finish up 17th in the WDC with 2 points they without doubt would have been laughed at.  But that is exactly what happened.  There was evidence of a lack of motivation for the first time in Elio's driving, leading to some criticism from the Motor Sport fraternity.  However, it is also true to say that the total of 2 points did not reflect either on the great forward strides the team made with the new Gerard Ducarouge designed type 94T during the latter half of the season.  Ducarouge arrived at a crucial time to save Team Lotus, this together with Elio's crucial pole position at the John Player Special sponsored British Grand Prix ensured another 2 seasons worth of Imperial Tobacco sponsorship.

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